Who is responsible for paying water and sewer bills?

The billed account holder is responsible; property owners should confirm whether tenants or owners are listed as the account holder to avoid surprise shutoffs.

How much notice is given before shutoff?

Notice periods and procedures are set in city utility rules or ordinance; specific notice length is not specified on the cited municipal-code summary page.

Can I get a payment plan?

Many municipal utilities offer payment plans or hardship arrangements; contact the utilities billing office to request and document a plan.

Centennial Water Metering and Sewer Fee Rules

Utilities and Infrastructure Colorado 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026

In Centennial, Colorado, water metering and sewer fee rules govern how meters are installed, how sewer charges are calculated, and the circumstances that may lead to utility shutoff. This guide summarizes the applicable municipal provisions, enforcement pathways, payment and appeal options, and practical steps for residents and landlords. It references the City of Centennial Code and the City utilities office so you can verify fees, notice procedures, and official forms.^[1]

Overview

Centennial requires metered water service where public supply lines are available and bills sewer users based on city-established rates or formulas. Responsibility for timely payment typically rests with the billed account holder; property owners and tenants should confirm account setup to avoid interruption. Billing cycles, meter testing procedures, and charge calculations are set out in the municipal code and utility rules.

Check your utility account details promptly to avoid missed notices.

Penalties & Enforcement

The municipal code and municipal utility rules identify enforcement options for unpaid water and sewer charges, but specific fine amounts and escalation steps are not always listed verbatim on the cited code summary pages. Where amounts or schedules are not explicitly published on the cited page, the text below states "not specified on the cited page" and points to the source for the controlling ordinance or rule.^[1]

Fines and charges: late fees, reconnection fees, and collection costs may apply; exact dollar amounts are not specified on the cited municipal-code summary page.
Reconnection fees: fees for restoring service after shutoff are commonly charged; amount not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: unpaid balances can lead from late notices to service termination and referral to collections or lien placement; exact escalation timeframes are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: utility shutoff, administrative orders to correct violations, and civil collection actions or liens on property are enforcement tools.
Enforcer: Public Works / Utilities or the designated municipal utilities billing office enforces shutoffs, inspections and collections; contact info and complaint pathways are provided by the city utilities office.^[2]
Appeals and review: the municipal code or utility rules typically provide an appeal or review process for billing disputes; specific time limits for filing appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Defences and discretion: reasonable excuse, proof of payment, meter errors, and approved payment plans or variances are common defenses; availability and standards are set in code or administrative rules when published.

If you receive a shutoff notice, act immediately to contact utilities to arrange payment or dispute the bill.

Applications & Forms

The city typically provides utility account forms, payment plan requests, and meter test request forms through the utilities billing office or municipal website. Specific form names and numbers are not consistently listed on the municipal-code summary page; check the official utilities billing page for current forms and online payment portals.^[2]

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

Failure to pay by due date — results in late fees, notices, and possible service termination.
Tampering with or obstructing meter access — administrative orders, repair costs, and potential criminal or civil penalties.
Refusal to allow meter testing or inspection — enforcement action and possible fines.

Action Steps

Review your bill immediately and note due dates.
Contact the utilities billing office to dispute charges or request a payment plan.^[2]
Pay online or in person to avoid reconnection fees.
If you suspect meter error, submit a meter test request form as directed by utilities.

FAQ

Who is responsible for paying water and sewer bills?: The billed account holder is responsible; property owners should confirm whether tenants or owners are listed as the account holder to avoid surprise shutoffs.
How much notice is given before shutoff?: Notice periods and procedures are set in city utility rules or ordinance; specific notice length is not specified on the cited municipal-code summary page.
Can I get a payment plan?: Many municipal utilities offer payment plans or hardship arrangements; contact the utilities billing office to request and document a plan.

How-To

Find your utility bill and check the account number and due date.
Contact Centennial Utilities billing by phone or online to confirm charges and request a payment plan if needed.^[2]
Submit any required form: payment plan request, meter test request, or billing dispute form as instructed by utilities.
Pay outstanding balance or provide proof of dispute to prevent shutoff.
If service is disconnected, pay reconnection fees and any past balances and schedule a reconnection appointment.

Key Takeaways

Keep account details current to ensure notices reach the right person.
Contact the utilities office early to avoid escalation and reconnection fees.
Keep records of payments and correspondence in case of disputes.